Iranian president tells Prime Minister retaliation ‘a right of nations’

13 August 2024, 10:54

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street
Sultan of Oman visits UK. Picture: PA

Masoud Pezeshkian told Sir Keir Starmer in a phone conversation on Monday that a punitive response was ‘a solution for stopping aggression’.

Iran’s president has told UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer that Tehran considers retaliation against Israel over the July killing of Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh a right, and a way to discourage future aggression.

A report by the official IRNA news agency said President Masoud Pezeshkian told Sir Keir in a phone conversation on Monday that a punitive response to an aggressor was “a right of nations and a solution for stopping crimes and aggression”.

Mr Pezeshkian said that the West’s silence about “unprecedented inhumane crime” in Gaza and Israeli attacks elsewhere in the Middle East was “irresponsible” and encouraged Israel to put regional and global security at risk.

The report said the two leaders discussed ways for restoring peace and stability in the region and the world as well as improving bilateral relations, without elaborating.

Israel has not confirmed nor denied its role in the July killing of Mr Haniyeh, but Israel earlier pledged to kill him and other Hamas leaders over the group’s October 7 attack on southern Israel that sparked the war in Gaza.

The assassination has sparked fears of a wider regional conflict and of a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran if Tehran retaliates.

Iran does not recognise Israel and supports anti-Israeli militant groups including Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

French president Emmanuel Macron
The Prime Minister joined French president Emmanuel Macron, pictured, and German chancellor Olaf Scholz in issuing a joint statement on the situation in the Middle East (Alain Jocard, Pool via AP)

Sir Keir was one of three European leaders demanding that Iran refrain from any retaliatory attacks that would further escalate regional tensions.

The Prime Minister joined French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Olaf Scholz issuing a joint statement on Monday endorsing the latest push by mediators Qatar, Egypt and the United States to broker an agreement to end the Israel-Hamas war.

The European leaders also called for the return of scores of hostages held by Hamas and the “unfettered” delivery of humanitarian aid.

“Such demands lack political logic, are entirely contrary to the principles and rules of international law, and represent an excessive request,” Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said.

The country’s foreign ministry said Iran was decisive about defending its rights and did not need any permission to retaliate over the killing of Mr Haniyeh, the IRNA news agency reported.

By Press Association

Latest World News

See more Latest World News

Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attacks, block Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv during a protest calling for the release of all hostages

Hamas announces it will release Israeli hostages as planned amid fears ceasefire will collapse

The largest of the Chagos islands, Diego Garcia, the site of a joint military facility of the United Kingdom and the United States

US makes last-ditch intervention in Chagos islands negotiations amid concerns China will benefit from deal

Police at the scene after the car crashed into protesters

Horror in Munich as Mini ploughs into demonstrators in 'attack' leaving 27 injured hours before security conference

Emergency services work near the scene of an explosion at a bar where a grenade was thrown, in Grenoble, on February 12, 2025.

At least 12 injured after man wielding assault rifle throws grenade into bar

Italian F1 Grand Prix - Previews

Nightclub bouncer behind £12m plot to reveal Formula One star Michael Schumacher's health secrets jailed

Josef Fritzl

Incest monster Josef Fritzl could walk free from prison next year - and expects 'cheering crowds' to greet him

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, left, shakes hands with Britain's Defense Secretary John Healey prior to a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of a NATO defense ministers meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, Feb.

Ukraine's NATO membership plans 'unrealistic' says US - as defence secretary claims US troops won't be peacekeepers

Lucy Harrison

British woman, 23, dies after being shot dead at dad's US house as 'utterly heartbroken' family pays tribute

An asteroid could hit earth in 2036.

NASA makes 'emergency' decision over asteroid the size of Big Ben that could strike Earth

Exclusive
His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud

No alcohol at all will be allowed at 2034 World Cup, Saudi ambassador tells LBC

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Margarita Forés has died at the age of 65

Celebrity chef Margarita Fores 'found dead in Hong Kong hotel room' aged 65

Donald Trump has ordered the release of the last classified files surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy on Thursday, vowing that ‘everything will be revealed’.

'Two shooters' involved in JFK assassination, claims task force head - as FBI reveals thousands of secret files

The bodies of Andrew Searle and his wife Dawn were discovered by a neighbour

Post-mortem results reveal fatal injuries of British couple found dead at home in rural French village

Luis Rubiales is on trial in Madrid accused of sexual assault for kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips

Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales 'absolutely sure' kiss with Jenni Hermoso after World Cup win was consensual

d

Fears for Brit tourist Liam Hannigan, 34, missing for three days in Tenerife as desperate family say ‘phone was switched off’

A bouquet of chrysanthemums with a message, 'Don't be in pain and rest in peace,' is laid at an elementary school in the central city of Daejeon on Feb. 11, 2025.

Teacher admits to stabbing seven-year-old girl to death at school